Toothbrush device with oversized handle

ABSTRACT

An improved toothbrush device includes a handle grip having a slot with a handle configured to fit within the slot opening to hold a toothbrush in place. The device of the present invention is larger than conventional devices and, thus, minimizes the need to bring the hand into a tighter grip in order to hold the toothbrush while in use. The device of the present invention is provided as a two-piece kit, such that the first and second pieces fit together when in use or in storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved toothbrush and, more particularly, to a toothbrush that allows oral hygiene access for patients that have problems with a fist-like gripping motion.

Oral hygiene is important in today's world. Gum disease and tooth decay are both serious teeth issues that can lead to even more serious general health problems. One of the most effective methods in preventing gum disease and tooth decay is to remove bacterial plaque with the use of a toothbrush. Typically, in order to use a toothbrush, dexterity is required. For people who struggle with dexterous movements, or have increasing pain with the use of their hands in a grip-like motion, using a toothbrush can be very difficult. Special needs people and arthritic patients are two examples of the type of patient which this would apply. Because of this difficulty in gripping, patients will incur pain while in the process of a prescribed daily action. Some patients will forego using a toothbrush altogether to avoid the pain and therefore incur the potential for gum disease and tooth decay, while others limit their use, thereby increasing their chances of oral hygiene problems.

As can be seen, there is a need for a device that allows better oral hygiene for patients that are unable, or have difficulty gripping a conventional toothbrush.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a toothbrush device comprises a handle grip having a conical tubular sleeve structure, the handle grip having a flat bottom portion and rounded top portion with a slot opening along the top portion; and a toothbrush, the toothbrush having a handle with a bristle-carrying working end and bottom end with the bottom end adapted to rest within said slot opening of said handle grip.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toothbrush device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in use;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an improved toothbrush device including a handle grip having a slot opening with a handle sliding into the slot opening to hold a toothbrush in place. The device of the present invention is larger than conventional devices and, thus, minimizes the need to bring the hand into a tighter grip in order to hold the toothbrush while in use. The device of the present invention may be provided as a two-piece kit, such that the first and second pieces fit together when in use or in storage.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 5, a toothbrush device may include a handle grip 18 and toothbrush 14. The handle grip 18 may have a bottom portion and a top portion. The top portion may include a slot 20. The slot opening 20 may be positioned along a centerline of the top portion. In certain embodiments, the top portion may be a rounded top portion and the bottom portion may be a flat bottom portion.

The toothbrush 14 may include a top end that may include bristles and a bottom end including a handle 16. The bristles may be a soft, rounded, and nylon bristles. When in use, the bottom end of the toothbrush handle 16 may be secured in the slot 20 on the top portion of the handle grip 18. In certain embodiments, the present invention may be made of a polymer, such as plastic, rubber and the like.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary operator 10 using the toothbrush device. The handle grip 18 allows an exemplary operator 10 with limited dexterity the ability to use a toothbrush. The exemplary operator's hand 12 may grasp the grip surface 22 of the handle grip 18 which in turn is holding the toothbrush 14 with the bristles of the toothbrush 14 in contact with the exemplary operator's teeth.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, the toothbrush device may be placed in an upright position for use. The handle 16 of the toothbrush 14 may be inserted into slot 20 of the handle grip 18, and thereby securing the toothbrush handle 16 to the toothbrush 14.

As illustrated in the Figures, the bottom end of the toothbrush handle 16 is rectangular with a curved flat end. However, the shape of the toothbrush handle 16 may be changed within the scope of the present invention, provided that the handle 16, fits into the slot 20 of the handle grip 18. Similarly, the open slot 20 may be rectangular in shape. However, other shapes may be included within the scope of the present invention, provided that the open slot 20 accepts the toothbrush handle 16 there within.

Illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, is the handle grip 18 by itself. In FIG. 3 the handle grip 18 is standing upright with the rounded top portion showing and in FIG. 4, the flat bottom portion of the handle grip with beveled edges is detailed. The handle grip 18 may include a conical tubular sleeve structure wherein the flat bottom portion of the handle grip 18 may be wider with respect to the top portion of the handle grip 18. In certain embodiments, the bottom portion may have a rubberized anti-slip pad attached so that when in the upright position, the handle grip 18 may be stationary for storage.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A toothbrush device, said device comprising: a handle grip comprising a conical tubular sleeve structure, said handle grip having a bottom portion and atop portion comprising a slot; and a toothbrush having a top end comprising bristles and a bottom end, wherein said bottom end is a handle, wherein said bottom end is configured to fit within said slot of said handle grip.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said slot of said handle grip is located at the center of said top portion.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said handle grip is made of a polymer.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said handle is detachable from said handle grip.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said bottom end is substantially flat.
 6. The device of claim 1, further comprising an anti-slip pad attached to said flat bottom portion of said handle grip to stay stationary while not in use. 